Manchester United Soccer Schools (MUSS) in Dubai Sports City has announced the promotion of Abdul Rahman Mohammed Abdullah to the core coaching team in the UAE.
Having worked as an assistant coach on the programme for the past two seasons and undergone series of coaching tests in Dubai and in Manchester, Abdul Rahman is now qualified to join other MUSS coaches in providing young sportspeople with exposure to the training methods and philosophy made famous by the prestigious Manchester United Youth Academy.
“Abdul Rahman is a welcome addition to the MUSS team in Dubai, providing a strong link between Manchester United and the local community,” said MUSS Head Coach, John Shiels. “I hope that by following Abdul’s example, more people are encouraged to play and coach football, creating a real passion for the game in the region.”
“The appointment of Abdul Rahman demonstrates the extent to which Dubai Sports City’s major sports academy facilities are promoting local talent in the Gulf region and raising the level of interest in sport,” said Khalid Al Zarooni, President, Dubai Sports City.
“Abdul Rahman has undergone extensive training for over two years in Dubai and in Manchester, and is among the most prominent UAE national coaches,” he added.
A former Al Nasr Football Club player, Abdul Rahman made 85 appearances for the national team and captained the United Arab Emirates in the 1990 World Cup finals. After playing the game at the highest level for many years, Abdul is ideally suited to pass on his advice, expertise and enthusiasm to the young players learning the game in Dubai.
“MUSS is a strong platform for developing young talent from across the UAE and beyond. We have great expectations for the next season when it starts again in November, and I look forward to shaping the next generation of skilful soccer players,” said Abdul Rahman.
Last season, more than 750 young footballers from across the region participated in the MUSS programme, culminating in a special end-of-season ceremony. The exciting plans are in place for the 2007-08 season will help pave the way for the move into Dubai Sports City’s purpose-built Football Academy the following year.
Abdul Rahman will be participating in a variety of awareness-raising events between now and the start of the new football season, designed to encourage more young people to become involved in local football.
Photo Caption: Abdul Rahman (center) with Mr. Balasubramaniam (right), CEO, Dubai Sports City and Mahmoud Tayi Mohammed, Environmental Coordinator (left), Dubai Sports City.
About Dubai Sports City:
Dubai Sports City (DSC), the cornerstone project of Dubailand, is a $3 billion, 50 million square feet mixed-use development which will be the world’s first integrated purpose-built sports city.
The development will be built around five major sports venues:
• a 60,000 capacity multi-purpose outdoor stadium for football, rugby, track and field and other sports and non-sports events
• a 10,000 seat multi-purpose indoor arena suitable for all hard court sports as well as concerts and other events and also including a removable ice rink
• a 25,000 capacity cricket stadium, expandable to 30,000, with state-of-the-art facilities for players, match officials, VIPs, spectators and the media
• a 5,000 seat field hockey stadium
• The Dunes, a magnificent 18-hole Championship golf course designed by Ernie Els
In addition to the stadia, Dubai Sports City will feature a series of major sports academy facilities including:
• Dubai Sports City Football Academy, the home of Manchester United Soccer Schools, Dubai
• a David Lloyd Tennis Academy
• a Butch Harmon School of Golf, the first such facility outside the United States
• the International Cricket Council’s own ICC Global Cricket Academy
• the World Hockey Academy, a first of its kind partnership with the International Hockey Federation
• top class multi-sport training facilities including gymnasium and a 50 metre swimming pool
• a world renowned sports medicine and rehabilitation centre
About Manchester United Soccer Schools:
Manchester United Soccer Schools is run by Manchester United Merchandising, which is a subsidiary of Nike under the 13-year commercial alliance between the Club and Nike. MUSS offers coaching courses for footballers of all ages and ability, from eight years old through to adults. MUSS coaching and skills development programmes are consistent with the philosophy used by the famous Manchester United Youth Academy. More than 40 UEFA-qualified coaches run the courses in the UK and overseas.
